Friendship is vital to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Pastors and Doctors agree that having a healthy support system contributes to a happy, full life of contentment and joy.
However, it can be difficult to make new friends or get involved. In fact, I have mentored and coached many people who have found themselves struggling with their faith. One of the MOST common circumstances they share is that they don’t attend church regularly, serve or volunteer, and have very few Christian friends. Coincidence…I don’t think so.
Trust me; I understand the overwhelming task of building community. This is especially true if you have recently moved, divorced, or left a toxic place. However, the Bible is clear that we are not meant to live in isolation.
Focus Passage:
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Main Takeaways:
- God is Love. If we desire to know God, we must be willing to life with others.
- Life in isolation is dangerous. We are more susceptible to mental health challenges, negative thinking, and temptations that could overwhelm us.
Practical Ways to Build Friendship:
- Be invitational - include others in what you are already doing
- Host a small group or bible study
- Serve at your local church
- Pray for godly friends
- Be the kind of friend that you want to have
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for creating us to live in community. We know that through relationships, we grow in faith and experience the fullness of your love. Forgive us when we have isolated ourselves or shied away from getting involved in community. Help us when we feel insecure. Give boldness to make friends. Help us maintain a regular fellowship habit with other believers because we know that this is your will for our lives.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Resources: Benefits of Friendship - Mayo Clinic
Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament Copyright 2004.
Robinson, Theodore H. "The Epistle to the Hebrews" (The Moffatt Commentary) (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1948)
